First impression

Staff

Food & drinks

Bed & bath

Our Review

How did it strike you on arrival?If you looked up the textbook definition of “boutique hotel,” it wouldn’t surprise you to see The Dwell Hotel as the archetype. Local Seija Ojanpera designed every room of the brick and limestone building in the heart of downtown even before she purchased the property, which dates to 1909 (on a plot of land that was a fort during the Civil War). Everything from the logo to the lobby exudes retro, mid-century modern sophistication. The lobby gives guests their first glimpse of the graphic wallpaper throughout the hotel, polished brass accents, vintage furniture, and bold original artwork. Just off of the lobby is the grass-walled Rainbow Room, a lounge you’ll pass on your way to the restaurant, Solarium. Guests and visitors can order drinks and snacks anywhere on the first floor, so it feels like you’re visiting a friend’s living room (albeit a friend with very good taste in decor).

Nice. What’s the crowd like?Even though The Dwell is boutique hotel heaven, it doesn’t come with an exorbitant price tag, so during the week, in-the-know corporate travelers often stay. Weekends see more leisure travelers, including hip couples and women on girlfriend getaways. Regardless, it’s a hip, youthful, and childless crowd (or at least, kids under 12 can’t stay).

The good stuff: Tell us about your room.Each of the 16 rooms at The Dwell are different, so it's possible to get a slightly different vibe in each. If you find a favorite you can can request a specific room (each are named), as I've heard some guests do. For instance, The Tiki (an executive suite) has a tropical-themed mini-bar, gas fireplace, and sitting room with bold palm frond wallpaper. The Pink Lady (king suite) has original art featuring a lady dressed in pink, a writing desk with blush accents, bold geometric wallpaper, and exposed brick. No matter which room you pick—or end up in, since demand is high year-round—the vibe is collected and curated. Every room comes with a modern black and white tile bathroom with soaking tub and stand-alone rain shower. The rooms are cool and cozy enough to make you want to hole up here, especially if you're a fan of mid-century modern design.

How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?It’s always the little things, and The Dwell takes every opportunity to make an impression. Along with free Wi-Fi, plush bathrobes, and cute bath amenities from C.O. Bigelow, there’s an electric tea kettle in each room for you to make your own tea or pour-over coffee with beans by Mayfly Coffee, a roaster on nearby Signal Mountain. Turndown service is special, too: indulge your sweet tooth with chocolate covered Oreos from The Hot Chocolatier, another local shop. Checking in on a Friday or Saturday? The friendly staff will bring you a seasonal welcome cocktail from the bar to kick off your stay.

Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Food options are the same, whether you dine in The Solarium’s bright, garden cafe-themed atmosphere or in Matilda Midnight’s lounge-y, night-themed area. Either way, fresh, small plates with ingredients sourced locally and the intricate, handcrafted cocktails are a draw for guests—and for those who couldn’t get a room reservation.

Bottom line: worth it, and why?If you want to stay at The Dwell Hotel—and trust me, you do—you'll need to plan ahead, because the 16 unique rooms are in high demand. This vintage-chic property is so terrific, it's worth shifting your dates in order to book here.